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HIV Antibody Testing

UHS offers two options for HIV testing:

Free anonymous HIV testing 1. Anonymous HIV Testing:

  • There is no enduring record of the test result, and you don't have to provide identifying information.
  • You will meet with an HIV test counselor, usually a trained graduate student.
  • You can get only the HIV test (no other services).
  • You can choose a blood or oral conventional test (not rapid testing).
  • It's free for currently enrolled U-M students and $20 for others. Sept - April: Walk-in Monday-Friday, 1-3 PM to Health Promotion (2nd floor)
    May - Aug: By appointment only (call 734-763-1320)

2. Confidential HIV Test:

  • The result will be part of your medical record and a copy available for your use.
  • You will meet with a UHS clinician or nurse.
  • You can combine HIV testing with other services, or it can be done alone.
  • A conventional blood test is used (no oral or rapid test). 
  • It's free for currently enrolled U-M students and fees vary for others.
  • Schedule an appointment by calling 734-764-8325.

At Spectrum Center, the HIV/AIDS Resource Center offers anonymous rapid testing Mondays 6-8 pm, September - April. For details see the UM Events Calendar. 

When to test: For most people, we recommend that you test 3-6 months after your last possible exposure (for example unprotected sex). The test looks for antibodies to HIV, not for the virus, and the body takes time to develop antibodies (50% at 1 month, 97% at 3 months, virtually 100% at 6 months). If you test earlier than 3-6 months, you may need to repeat the test. You can talk to a UHS HIV test counselor about your personal situation.

Why test? Take the test if you have been exposed to another person's blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk, for example through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral) or sharing injection drug equipment.

Benefits of testing include:

  • Reduced anxiety about your health
  • Information about risk, safer sex, etc.
  • Earlier medical care if you are infected

The meaning of test results:

  • Negative means no HIV antibodies found, either because you have not been infected with HIV, or you have not yet developed antibodies. (Antibodies develop within six months after infection.)
  • Positive means HIV antibodies were found. HIV is present and you are able to infect others. It does not necessarily mean that you have symptoms.
  • Indeterminate means that the test result is unclear and should be repeated.

For more information: